Blueprint for Beating Boston Celtics in the 2013 NBA Playoffs

Jim Rogash/Getty ImagesFollowing Monday night's showdown, LeBron and Co. now have a better idea of what it takes to beat the C's.

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At 36-31, the Boston Celtics are essentially a lock for the 2013 NBA playoffs. However, just how far they can go in the postseason is anyone’s guess.

Simply put: If the Celtics can’t successfully address certain weaknesses, a first-round exit will also be essentially a lock.

If Wednesday night’s 87-86 loss to the New Orleans Hornets was any indicator, it’s a surprise Boston is even in the thick of things this late in the season.

That surely was not the forecast for the team earlier in the year, especially after Rajon Rondo was sidelined for the remainder of the season back on Jan. 27.

Yet, in 24 games since, the Celtics are 16-8.

But records can be deceiving.

It’s been no secret that Boston has had its fair share of problems along the way. However, they’re problems that have been exposed as fatal flaws as of late.

In fact, they have been instrumental in the Celtics losing two straight and four of their last six games.

Teams are starting to take note of these shortcomings, and slowly but surely, a blueprint on how to beat Boston has been formed.

1. Beat Them Down Low

Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

Opponents have had success inside the paint against Boston.

Protecting the paint has not been the Celtics’ forte.

It’s been an issue that has plagued the team since the beginning of the season. Opposing players have penetrated the defense with ease, finding buckets easy to come by down low.

A lack of frontcourt depth is solely to blame for that.

Already thin beforehand, losing Jared Sullinger to a season-ending injury in January certainly did not help.

In 22 games without the rookie, opponents have averaged 44.5 points in the paint per game. That’s an increase over Boston’s season per-game allowance of 42.4.

In comparison, the Celtics have only averaged 34.1 points in the paint per game during the same stretch. That’s down from their season per-game output of 37.6. Only four teams average fewer.

Lately, it’s an issue that has crippled Boston.

Against the Hornets, not only were the Celtics outscored inside the paint—42-40—but they were also out-rebounded on the offensive glass. New Orleans collected 11 second-chance boards compared to Boston’s four.

Not surprisingly, it was an offensive rebound that led to the game-winning tip-in at the buzzer that sealed the Celtics’ fate.

The Heat dominated the paint, outscoring Boston 50-34 down low. Time after time, Miami would spend much of the shot clock struggling to find an open look, only to be bailed out by an easy bucket inside.